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NCTRC e-News
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification
Protecting and Promoting Since 1981
May/June 2025
National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification® (NCTRC®) is the largest international organization dedicated to the protection of the consumer of recreational therapy services through the certification of qualified practitioners. NCTRC e-News contains announcements and other important information.
Featured News
NCTRC Celebrates CTRSs for Years of Service!
NCTRC is proud to send anniversary pins to recognize CTRSs with 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 years of service. The CTRS anniversary pin serves as an acknowledgement of an individual’s long-standing professional commitment to maintaining NCTRC certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist® (CTRS). NCTRC mailed the anniversary pins in May. Please watch your mailbox and wear your pin with pride.
Share this YouTube Video: Thank you, CTRSs!
CTRS Digital Badge—The Recognition you Deserve!
Thank you to all CTRSs for your hard work and dedication to the profession of therapeutic recreation! Showcase your accomplishments as a CTRS and display your pride in the therapeutic recreation profession by sharing your CTRS digital badge on social media and in your email signature. Watch the NCTRC video tutorial - How to Share a Digital Badge – this video will help you correctly link your personal badge so that others can click on it and verify your credentials.
Claim your CTRS digital badge and start sharing it today. Review the NCTRC Badge Earner Guide for more information and helpful resources.
Class of 2025—Next Steps After Graduation
Take the next step on your professional journey - follow the path to professional certification through the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC).
Individuals wishing to become certified through NCTRC and earn the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential must meet specific educational and professional experience requirements, in addition to passing the NCTRC Certification Exam.
Take a moment to review the NCTRC Certification Exam information, including NCTRC Exam Preparation Tools.
NCTRC Pre-Approved Continuing Education
NCTRC wants to support CTRSs, recreational therapists, activity professionals, and practitioners from a variety of professions in their search for continuing education opportunities that align with the current NCTRC Job Analysis.
NCTRC has been asked to share the following pre-approved continuing education session content:
- Root in Nature Inc.
Advancing Skills in Therapeutic Horticulture & Intro to Therapeutic Horticulture
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
Explore ways to engage in professional training and education to assure continuing competence in the practice of recreational therapy.
- Go to the CEUs page of the NCTRC website to discover the professional benefits & use of NCTRC pre-approved continuing education.
- Learn how to use CEUs for the CTRS recertification process.
- Enhance your professional portfolio by earning NCTRC digital badges, including CTRS Specialization Area Designation and NCTRC approved micro-credentials. Earn these badges through NCTRC.
Are you a CTRS Due to Recertify? Consider Applying for Specialization Area Designation
Through CTRS Specialization Area Designation, certificants are offered the opportunity to be recognized for their advanced knowledge and skill in a specialized area of practice.
NCTRC currently awards recognition in seven areas of specialization to CTRSs denoting experience and focused continuing education to enhance recreational therapy practice.
CTRSs who are awarded Specialization Area Designation from NCTRC will receive a digital badge. The digital badge allows CTRSs to broadcast their achievement to colleagues, employers, and recruiters and further enhance their professional profile.
Browse the collection of CTRS Specialization Area Designation badges available through NCTRC. Click on each of the badges to see a list of skills and criteria required to earn the CTRS Specialization Area Designation through NCTRC. Interested in learning more? Click “Earn this Badge” to connect to the NCTRC website and read about how to apply for CTRS – Specialization Area Designation.
Enhance your Professional Profile: Earn Digital Badges Associated with NCTRC Approved Micro-Credentials
Browse the full collection of digital badges associated with NCTRC approved micro-credentials for opportunities to enhance your professional profile. Open to professionals across various fields, these badges highlight your commitment to excellence and professional growth. Click on each badge to learn about the CE course/training and earning requirements.
Have you already completed the required course/training for one or more of the NCTRC approved micro-credentials? Claim the associated badge through NCTRC today! NCTRC issues the associated digital badge to earners who have completed the required continuing education. Click here to access the badge application.
NCTRC Funded Research Projects
The NCTRC Research Committee is pleased to announce the two research projects that were funded in Spring 2025:
- The effects of participation in a Memory Café on caregivers’ perceptions of community belonging
- Evaluating the Impact of Group Drumming on the Mental Health and Well-being of College Students
These research projects were either fully or partially funded by NCTRC. The NCTRC Research Grant Program seeks to open new doors for current RT practitioners as well as those pursuing careers in the field. Click here or go to NCTRC.org to access the list of NCTRC funded research projects and read final reports from various projects.
Featured Resources
NCTRC YouTube Video Tutorials
Are you looking for information regarding how to submit your annual maintenance or recertification application? Or perhaps you want to learn more about the NCTRC Certification Exam Registration Process. Take a moment to watch the YouTube video tutorials on the NCTRC YouTube channel.
CTRS Promotional & Other Resources
In today’s demanding employment market, NCTRC certification indicates to employers and the public that the CTRS is a qualified professional providing recreational therapy services, with the skill, ability and knowledge recognized as essential for recreational therapy practice. Click here or go to NCTRC.org to access publications, forms, and various resources which can be downloaded and printed in PDF format.
MY NCTRC Login
Access to your NCTRC account and personal certification information, dates, and details.
Recertify and Reinvest in Yourself
NCTRC knows how hard you worked to obtain the CTRS credential. Continue your professional journey by renewing your CTRS certification.
Go further with an NCTRC Scholarship.
An NCTRC Scholarship recognizes the achievements of those who seek to advance their knowledge and professional competency to improve the quality of recreational therapy services.
Recertify and Reinvest in Yourself.
NCTRC knows how hard you worked to obtain the CTRS credential. Continue your professional journey by renewing your CTRS certification.
If you require additional information or have questions, please contact NCTRC at 845-639-1439 or nctrc@nctrc.org.
Thank you for your continued support of NCTRC and the CTRS® credential!
